Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Korea can be a very difficult place to meet friends, mainly because Koreans do not find it socially acceptable to talk to strangers. Yes, sometimes working for a smaller company in Korea can lead to feeling isolated from other expats. The language barrier can also attribute to this factor, especially if you are not living in a large city like Seoul. If you take away one point from this Q&A it is this: remember that you are a foreigner, and just because something like talking to strangers is not accepted by Korean society, doesn't mean that you should change your cultural norms to fit theirs. Thank you to my anonymous reader for bringing up this very important topic in the following email:

Hi Marie,

First of all, it's nice to know that you're having a good time in korea despite the cultural differences. I'm a Malaysian who just graduated from the UK and am now working as an intern at a korean company in gangnam-gu(1 year contract). Currently livin in a studio apartment unit in Wangsimni.

So it's been one month since I got here and I'm finding it a little lonely especially with the language barrier. I mean, I like my colleagues and my other korean friends. They're lovely, but it's always nice to get to know some people who are in a similar situation as I am. My question would be: Do you know/Would you recommend any channels or hangout spots to meet up with expats? I actually found some at "meetup.com" but I'd just like to get your opinion on this. Please and thank you!

p/s: Sometimes, I envy Westerners here as you guys are treated like celebrities whereas I blend in with the crowd because of my skin complexion. The problem would be that I can't speak Korean. People give me weird stares when I try to communicate in English (WHY is this Korean-looking guy talking in bloody English?!). I'm learning the language, but it's tough.

Q:Do you know/Would you recommend any channels or hangout spots to meet up with expats?

A: Yes, meetup.com is a great resource to use if you are having difficultly meeting other foreigners. However, it is always somewhat strange to rely on technology to meet others. I strongly recommend taking some tours that are directed for expats. Companies such as www.adventurekorea.com and The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch are always getting together groups of expats for amazing tours around Korea. The RASKB also offers multiple lectures each month in which many expats are in attendance. If you are teaching adults, I also recommend hanging out with your students. They will often times introduce you to many places and other people in which you can make new connections. In America this would be completely unheard of, but in Korea this is acceptable. Lastly, you should check out the community page of Seoul Magazine. The English magazine posts tons of events happening around Seoul each month. Among events such as the Seoul Players, O'ngo cooking classes, and Korean cultural classes for foreigners you should be able to meet plenty of expats. Most of all, keep an open mind and make plans to see people again and exchange numbers whenever possible. Don't be afraid to talk to foreigners on the subway just because the Korean's don't.

Q: How do I cope with an Asian appearance, but I am really a foreigner in Korea?

A: I know many Asians, Mexicans, and even Indians who are spoken to in Korean on a daily basis. The Korean people automatically assume you are a local or a mix because of your dark skin. My main recommendation to you is to learn how to say short phrases like "waygooken" "Hanguk anyio" and fast! The Koreans will immediately understand that you are just a foreigner and cannot speak any Korean.

If you have any questions or comments about "Reader Q&A: How can you meet other expats in Korea?" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to goneseoulsearching@gmail.com

Eating live octopus in Korea is a delightfully scary and delicious experience. The best place to experience eating raw fish (sannakji hoe), and especially raw live octopus (낙지) is none other than the famous Noryangjin Seafood Market in Seoul.

Noryangjin is one of Korea's largest fish markets with a raw fish market operating 24 hours a day 365 days a year. After arriving at the Noryangjin market from subway line No. 1, I was overwhelmed by the amount of seafood that this enormous building houses. Just looking at the billions of pounds of sea food got me wondering if there are any fish left in the sea at all (and I am no animal rights activist)!

Huge tanks of clams are among hundreds of types of seafood at Noryangjin.

Once at Noryangjin you will see hundreds of tanks of fresh octopus. Simply wander up to one of the stalls and ask how much (Eolmayeyo). A medium size octopus about the size of your hand should run you about 10,000 won. If you want to bargain with the fish dealer simply hesitate alot and then say gga gga ju se yo , which means discount. The "gga gga" is pretty much pronounced "ka ka" like poop, with a strong emphasize on the first "ka." The fish dealer will be very impressed that you said this, and will most likely drop their price immediately

A view of Noryangjin seafood market at 1:30 am on a cold Friday morning.

After purchasing your octopus, head on over to one of the many hidden and often underground restaurants in the market. Sometimes the fish dealer will take you right there which happened in my case. At the restaurant, they will wash and serve up the raw and wiggling octopus with some tangy sauces and lettuce for a cheap price.

If you have any questions or comments about "Eating live octopus at Noryangjin Fish Market" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to seoulfoodgirl@gmail.com

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas in Korea is just like America's Christmas, but on steroids. The entire concept of Christmas is turned into a giant commercialized frenzy for the month of December. My students explained to me that they go on expensive dates with their boy/girl friends and that it is a much bigger deal than Valentines day. Take for example the 5 course dinner offered at the JW Marriot in Seoul witch is a steep 200,000 won!
Going to class every day and listening to my students talking about Christmas was a bit depressing at times. Some of them would say things like "Well I'm single, so I'll just stay home and watch movies and be sad all night!" Christmas here is more about dating than anything, most of the Koreans that are religious have a small celebration like a dinner, or go to church and that is all.

Pagoda and YBM competing with each other.

Although there is a sad side to Christmas in Korea if you are single, the decorations throughout Seoul are simply magnanimous. Everywhere you look there are Christmas lights and trees. The YBM headquarters in Jongno put up their giant display of lights, and about a week later Pagoda (YBM's biggest competition) threw up five times the amount of lights on their small building in Jongno! Check out some amazing pictures around Seoul and from my Christmas party this year.

Pagoda cannot fit anymore Christmas lights on their building.

Outside of Myeongdong Catholic Church.

A nativity scene at Myeongdong Church.

Crazy light structure outside of IBK bank.

A beautiful Christmas tree outside of Myeongdong theatre.

A woman taking donations and ringing the bell, just like Salvation Army in America.

Monday, December 20, 2010

My email has been flooded latley with basic questions about Korea. To be completley honest, some of these questions are a little annnoying to me because they can be figured out by doing any basic research about Korea. However, because this is my first Q&A post I will answer a majority of questions that an anonymous reader sent my way.

Dear Marie,

Yes, as you can see from my last name, I am korean but from southern California...Orange County, CA. I saw your webpage www.goneseoulsearching.com from you tube and i have to say, i don't know how you put it together but you're very talented with the webpage. I've never been to korea yet, i hope to soon visit. It's just the bathrooms without shower stalls that i find it very weird. I mean when you take a shower, you must get your toilet paper and towels wet which would be very inconvenient. What about the food there, is it safe to eat?? Tap water is drinkable?? What kind of food do they serve there?? I've heard some koreans eating dog meat there (barfffff, i saw a video of it on youtube once and i almost threw up) I mean do they eat regular meat like cow, chicken, pork??? Out here in california, especially Los Angeles where there is a high korean population (they have K-town in L.A. called Korean town) the restaurants don't serve dog, it's against the law killing dogs for food. How can anyone kill poor dogs and puppies for food. I love animals, just seeing and hearing about this makes me ashamed to be korean.

Anyways, what made you decide you wanted to go to korea?? Teaching?? I had some teaching offers before but the thought of knowing i'll be away from family and friends, made me decline to go. Also some friends warned me...some of the teaching jobs they will try and rip you off in your pay and some of it maybe scams; saying if you pay this money upfront, we will find you a good paying teacher salary position on korea.

Here is a photo of me...do you have facebook?? Would follow you on FB if you have one (^_^)

Sincerely,

anonymous (Gone Seoul Searching will keep all of its readers names private unless given permission)

Q: I can't get used to the idea of bathrooms without shower stalls, doesn't your toilet paper and towels get wet?

A: Yes, I also was completely weirded out by the whole shower inside your entire bathroom thing. However, after the third shower I got completely used to the process. I simply have a hook right outside my bathroom which I leave my towels on while I am in the shower so that they do not get wet. As for my toilet paper, it is covered with a metal screen and is far enough from my shower head that it doesn't get wet. Its kind of nice always having a clean bathroom, I just never go back inside right after taking a shower because I don't want my feet to get wet, and I hate wearing shower shoes.

Q: What about the food there, is it safe to eat?

A: This is a naive question. South Korea is not a third world country by any means. Just look at my food blog and you will see high class restaurants everywhere, especially in Seoul. Of course there are some sketchy places down dark alleys, but every country has those kind of eateries and usually they turn out to be the best!

A: This is also a naive question. Have you ever been to Korean BBQ? End of story.

Q: What made you want to go to Korea?

A: The first time I traveled to Korea was during the summer of 2009 for a two week scholarship program. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I stayed with a Korean host family and traveled throughout Korea. To read more about why, and how I first became interested in Korea please see my first blog post here.

Q: Will the teaching jobs in Korea rip you off?

A: This is the most asked question from people interested in moving to Korea, for obvious reasons. Yes, there are many teaching jobs that can be your worst nightmare if you do not research well before choosing a company. This is mostly due to language barriers, and cultural differences. I will write a detailed post about choosing the right Hagwon, or recruiter so that you do not become a homeless expat in Korea.

Q: Do you have a Facebook? Can I add you on Facebook?

A: Of course I have a Facebook, but I do not add strangers or blog readers as my friend. However, you are welcome to join the Gone Seoul Searching Facebook group and if you hit the "Like" button then you will see our daily posts on your homepage. Simply search Gone Seoul Searching in the Facebook search box.

If you have any questions or comments about "Reader Q&A: Basic questions about Korea and this blog" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to goneseoulsearching@gmail.com

The pastry shop/restaurant has a lavish interior to suit its upscale menu.

Nestled between historical Insadong, grand Gyeongbokgung palace, and cozy Samcheongdong lies a little slice of European heaven called Amandier. According to Ten Magazine, Ruben Jan Adrian is a Dutchborn 29 year old pastry chef. With experience working in locations such as Paris, Singapore, and Brussels, Adrian had plenty of experience before opening Amandier just three short months ago.
Just looking through Amandier's upscale storefront will make your eyes grow wide. There are hundreds of colorful macaroons, decadent chocolates, and pastries so beautiful that you will truly be afraid to touch them. Of course there are fresh bakery items offered each day, and Monday-Friday you can order a lunch sandwich with a free coffee.

Although the restaurant is limited to salads and sandwiches during the week, there is a small and affordable weekend brunch menu offered on Sat-Sun from 10am - 4pm. Don't miss out on this menu! There are only four items and they're all made with perfection: the belguim waffle with maple syrup and butter, a waffle with cafe Americano, waffle with ice cream and cafe Americano, and eggs benedict. The eggs benedict has perfectly poached eggs and a sinful Hollandaise sauce. The spinach added as a layer in between, is a much needed healthy and fresh addition to the buttery concoction. And don't worry, you can get this perfect dish for only 8,000 won!

Chef and owner Ruben Jan Adrian working hard in the kitchen on a Sunday.

The coffees and teas at Amandier are a little pricey at an average of 5,000 per cup. I recommend skipping the caffeine, and putting that money towards an extra pastry item such as the fresh raspberry macaroon, or a freshly baked carrot multi-grain muffin.

Directions:

Walk across the street from Insadong Station Exit 6. If your looking at Gyeongbokgung Palace simply make a right on the main street and the restaurant will be a two minute walk.

If you have any questions or comments about "Enjoy pastry perfection and a weekend brunch at Amandier in Anguk-dong " please leave them in the comment box below or email them to seoulfoodgirl@gmail.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever pictured myself in the situation I was in this morning at 9 am. I understand that Korea's culture can be harsh for those in sexual relationships. Most Koreans live with their parents until they are married, even if they are grown adults at ages 30 and higher. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the creation of love motels, which are pretty much serviced by young Korean couples. Some of my first weeks in August 2010, were spent in a love motel, and trust me I was the only guest there during the day. So here's the story:

At 8:40 am I entered the gym of my officetel apartment building. No one was in the gym, and so after turning on all of the lights and I hopped on the treadmill. About ten minutes later, the mirror in front of me revealed a young girl, probably in her late twenties entering the gym. She was dressed up with high heels and a cute Korean style dress. Wait a minute? Why would this girl be entering the gym all dressed up for work? Well, maybe she left something in the stretching room yesterday, or maybe she works in the Korea Cyber University (which is in my building) and just wants to take a nap.
She headed straight for the guys stretching room, which was directly behind a wall that blocked my view. I thought it was peculiar that she never turned on any lights in the stretching room. And why would she go in the guys room, instead of the girls? Well maybe she likes to take a nap on the mats just like the office tel maid does sometimes, I thought to myself. There have been a few instances where I thought I was alone in the gym, but then suddenly the maid emerged from the guys stretching room after taking a long nap. One time I was even singing loudly to a K-pop group 2NE1, when the maid revealed herself and stared me down in the treadmill mirror.
After playing out every possible scenario in my head, even the one where the young girl is accepting drugs from the officetel maid, the real office tel maid entered the gym at 8:50 am. She headed straight for the guys stretching room where she usually takes a nap, and immediately she started cursing vibrant Korean words into the room. She was clearly pissed off about something and immediately ran out of the gym and down the hallway where she started yelling at some office workers in a rent-able office room on the floor.
Meanwhile, I continued working out casually with my eyes plastered to the mirror in front of me. Two minutes later, I saw the dressed up Korean girl exit the guys stretching room and she was not alone. A tall sexy Korean man followed right behind her with an ashamed and bright red face.
There are no guessing games as to what was going on in the male stretching room that morning! Clearly they had met up to do the deed, and the fact that I was in the other room walking on the treadmill was of little importance to them. I guess the love motel was getting a little expensive, so by using my officetel's stretching room they saved a few hundred won a month.

If you have any questions or comments about "Lust in my officetel gym" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to goneseoulsearching@gmail.com

Buzz Korea will promote Korean tourism through the eyes of writers and bloggers.

Buzz KOREA is bringing all of Korea's bloggers to one place thanks to the Korea Tourism Organization. This new website will showcase writers, most of whom are currently living in Korea, who promote tourism throughout the country. This brilliant idea will connect expats, Koreans, and prospective travelers, and will provide useful articles and the latest gossip or buzz about destinations throughout Korea.
I came across this website tonight while scrolling through Korea blogs that I read daily. I immediately registered for the site, and put of their logo on my page. There are so many writers throughout Korea that simply enjoy sharing their adventures with the world. These writers have so much passion and lust for Korea, so why not bring them all to one place? Buzz KOREA is essentially a Facebook of bloggers!
Because buzz KOREA is a new site, they are offering 3 events to new users. The events all vary, but simply by registering for a buzz Korea account you are automatically entered to win a free I-pad. However, don't just register for the free gifts. This website will be a great tool for those that are currently writing travel blogs about Korea. You may have your articles featured on their web-site, which will bring more viewers to you. This site will also be a great tool just to simply learn more about Korea, and interesting destinations throughout Korea. The latest buzz on the website features articles about the Jinju Lantern Festival, the Tteuran Tea house, and winter getaways in Korea.
There is nothing better than reading a personal account of any travel destination. Buzz KOREA will allow everyone to explore what Korea has to offer, without relying on travel companies and the average Lonely Planet books. Step out of the box, and hear what average people are writing about Korea, and don't forget to buzz KOREA!

If you have any questions or comments about "The newly created buzz KOREA hosts a family of bloggers" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to goneseoulsearching@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The entrance to Dragon Hill spa has a charming and inviting atmosphere.

Wearing funny sheep head towels and spa outfits is a must.

Recommended by CNN Go, The New York Times, and numerous international media, Dragon Hill Spa is the best place to get the full Korean jjimjilbang (Korean bath house) experience. The spa is open 24 hours a day seven days a week and features seven massive floors of facilities. This family-friendly place is a fascinating combination of relaxation and fun which includes sex-segregated spa areas, co-ed saunas, outdoor pools, hot tubs, nail salons, arcades, internet rooms, restaurants, a cinema, and a putting green. Among the most popular and lavish spas for foreigners in Korea, what more could you ask for?

Two of the pyramid dry sauna rooms, one is made of bijou.

Going to a jjimjilbang is definitely not for those who are uncomfortable being naked. Be prepared to bare it all for about half of the time you are in the spa. Upon entering Dragon Hill you will most likely be greeted by the manager who loves to speak English with foreigners. Then you will pay the 10,000 to 12,000 won fee depending on the day and you will receive a wristband with a key attached. Do not lose this wristband because it controls everything that you do in the jjimjijbang and even acts as a credit card.

Where you leave your shoes.

Next, you enter the giant room full of lockers and leave your shoes behind. This is where men and women can say their goodbyes as they enter the private men and womans saunas. When in the jimjibang do as the Koreans do. Go to your designated locker and strip down. Take one towel (barely enough to cover your thigh) and head down to the sauna. First you should take a shower, (yes everyone will be watching you) before entering any of the hot tubs or steam rooms.

The separated sauna sections are by far my favorite part of the spa. There are over eight different hot tubs inside, and there are even more located outside. There is also a steam room that has so much detail it makes you feel like Queen Min. When your finished with the wet portion of the sauna head back downstairs to floor 1. Wear your cool gym outfit provided by the spa, and make sure to ask someone how to twist your towel into the famous sheep head (양머리, yeong mori) or just click on the you tube video here.

Where men and women separate from each other.

The co-ed portion of the sauna is known as the healing zone. The heated rooms are all unique and have different temperatures and purposes. There is a traditional hardwood charcoal kiln which heats several chambers.This is my favorite of all of the rooms because they are so dark and peaceful. The coal smells delicious and the old fashioned wood floors make you appreciate Korean history. There is also a crystal shining salt room, a meditative exercise room of yellow soil pyramid, a pyramid spirit experience room of natural bijou, a fire sweating bathroom with pine-tree firewood, an ice room, a Finland sauna, and outdoor hot spring pool, a cottage for drinking rice wine, a tanning zone, and many more spa activities.

The common area at Dragon Hill Spa.

The spa culture is unlike anything you have experienced in western culture. In the co-ed sections you will see many couples relaxing together, and families sitting on the floor just hanging out and playing games in the sitting area. There are places to get food, massage chairs to rent, and there is even the King's chair of Guenjeong-jeon where you can take a picture. The spa is somewhere you can go to hang out for hours, and there are even sleeping rooms for those that want to spend the night.

Hanging out in the ice room is nice after the dry saunas.

In the private sauna areas, it is not uncommon to see young boys and girls stark naked with their mothers enjoying the hot tubs and steam rooms. If you see old women (more specifically adjumas) they may be very friendly to you, and might even ask you to scrub their backs. Just be nice and say that you don't need any help and they will leave you alone to enjoy your peaceful day.

Make sure to eat before going to the spa unless you want to spend money on expensive and mediocre food. Many people spend hours at the spa, so they can charge a high price for food because you cannot leave the spa and return once you have entered. Although the food isn't that good, I recommend trying two traditional Korean drinks while venturing through the spa to stay hydrated. Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice drink that is made fresh at the spa and is not from a can. Also try out the gamsikcho which is literally a drink made of vinegar and persimmons. Both drinks are refreshing and delicious to sip on while in the piping hot dry sauna rooms.

A peak inside of one of the dry saunas.

To get to the Dragon Hill Spa from anywhere in Seoul take Line No. 1 to Yongsan Station. Exit the subway and turn right upon leaving the escalators at I-park mall. Simply walk across the street and The Spa is directly on the corner.

If you have any questions or comments about "Experiencing Dragon Hill Spa, Korea's most famous jjimjijbang" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to goneseoulsearching@gmail.com

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Over 200 foreigners and Koreans joined together at Beer O' Clock in Sinchon last night decked out in their best Santa suits for the 2010 Santacon in Seoul! Once at Sinchon, the festivities started with some Christmas caroling and of course a beer stop on the walk over to Hongdae at around 7 pm. The walk over was exciting and Koreans everywhere were in shock when they saw the motley crew of Santa's. Santa's were drinking, and some of them were handing out Christmas candies to Koreans. The Santa's took over Ho Bar 3 for much of the evening, and enjoyed having dance parties outside in the crosswalk across the street.
The highlight of the night was clearly the silent DJ that took place in the Hongdae park. Santa's and regular old joes simply had to hand over their ID's to check out wireless headphones for free. The Santa dance party began as hundreds of Santas danced the night away with their head phones on to the silent DJ. Thanks to www.silentdisco.co.kr for providing the free headphones and hours of entrainment for the 2010 Santacon!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

There's nothing more appealing than seeing a tiny little Korea girl chow down on a good old fashioned cheeseburger and shake. If your in the mood to just flat out eat something greasy and terrible for your body, head on over to Burger N Shake located in Sinchon. Down the street from Megabox, this is a great restaurant to stop at before or after heading to the movies. This restaurant boasts its slogan of 100% beef premium homemade burgers, which are definitely a step up from McDonald's and Burger King.
I was not planning on eating at Burger N Shake, rather I stumbled upon its storefront while looking for fattening food to cure a rough Saturday at work. The interior will draw your attention from the street with its giant pictures of fresh burgers and the catchy name blown up in bright red and orange colors.

The mushroom burger comes dripping in tangy BBQ sauce.

The menu at Burger N Shake is clearly all about the burgers. You may choose from a classic cheeseburger to a New York steak burger, a bulgogi burger, a whole shrimp burger, a Mexican chili burger, and many more. I ordered up the mushroom steak burger which came piled high with giant oyster mushrooms and dripping in delicious BBQ sauce. My burger was sloppy and wet just like a messy burger should be.

The cheesy fries aren't anything special to celebrate about.

The french fries look amazing on the pictures, but I'd suggest passing on these. They are not very crispy, and the cheesy fries come with cheap nacho cheese and Parmesan that Italians wouldn't dream of eating. The milkshake was also mediocre as it was more like a vanilla slushy snow-cone. Clearly there was no real ice cream used in the shake and it was much to icy and healthy for my taste buds. Try the mango or kiwi shakes which are much nicer than the traditional milk shakes.
Overall stick with the burgers at Burger N Shake and you will be deeply satisfied. The quality really is that good, and you can tell that the meat is fresh and pure beef. The lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are stuffed in the middle of a perfectly crisp hamburger bun, which is hard to come by in Korea.
The prices are pretty reasonable for a nicer burger restaurant. You can order a combo meal which includes a cheese burger and fries from 5,000 to 9,000 depending on the burger type. The New York Steak burger is the most expensive and comes in at an assumed 5,900 for just the burger. The milkshakes are 3,000 won and basic french fries are 2,500. The portions are generous and you will have a bulging stomach by the time you walk out the door.
Burger N Shake truly reminds me of the family owned chain In-N-Out which is un-arguably the best fast food burger place located in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The ingredients are fresh, and that's what really counts. Learn more about Burger N Shake at their website www.delishburger.com.

If you have any questions or comments about "Binge at Burner N Shake, the closest thing to a Korean In-N-Out" please leave them in the comment box below or email them to seoulfoodgirl@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"Teacher my religion is alcohol!" Yes, a mature male adult from my school blurted this statement out in perfect English while in class one day! Of course I am so used to the culture here now, that a statement like this would not boggle my mind. Neither would witnessing 2 drunk girls fall asleep on a sidewalk at 3 am and watching no one do anything to help them. Nor would watching men stumbling and hiccuping on the sidewalk at 10am in the morning. So what is the Korean drinking culture like, and why is it so different from Western culture?
In short, drinking in Korea is not a shameful act. And you can pretty much picture all of Korea like a giant Las Vegas; you can even drink on the streets. In fact there is no such thing as alcoholism here. Many of my students and Korean friends have never heard of such a thing. After explaining the definition of alcoholism to my friends, some of them replied "This must be a made up story."
I agree that alcoholism is a proven psychological and sometimes physical addiction to a substance. But I can also understand why Koreans don't believe this is a true disease. Why you may ask? Because drinking is such a useful skill in Korea.

Korean drinking games are a staple when hanging out with good friends.

Drinking can be useful for many things in Korea, including some of the following:

1. getting a job/making a business deal- Going out to get pissed drunk with a potential boss or business client will definitely help your chances at getting hired or making a deal in Korea. In fact, you should never reject another drink from your boss. Many of the older generations in Korea see drinking with colleagues or partners as a time to bond and form true relationships. If you end up puking on the sidewalk and passing out, this will be no problem the next morning at work. You will probably just get a funny nick name and a raise!

2. apologizing- One day in class my students were talking about how they prefer to go out drinking when they have to make an apology. They apologize and move on immediately to make new memories. Apparently the middle aged generation of 25-30 years old is having trouble using this technique with younger generations. The younger generations roughly from ages 18-25 prefer having a public apology with many of their friends act as a witness to the persons testimony of faith.

3. networking- Koreans don't talk to strangers; not even when they are sitting on the bus or the subway bored out of their minds. But if Koreans are drunk, they can talk to anybody they want! Not many Koreans try to talk to me during the day, but at night time around 10pm many of them are drunk already and always approach me to practice their English. I like to call this the the Waygookin Drunken Affect. Waygookin
(외국인) means foreigner in Korean, and almost all Koreans use bad English and say "I am very drunken" when they start speaking to foreigners late at night.

Yes, I understand that these skills are not universally accepted in Korea. Many companies are starting to crack down on peer pressure related to drinking. And many more are starting to enact strict policies in favor of Koreans who do not accept drinking as a part of their lifestyle.
But I see this change happening very slowly in Korea, and having very little affect on most of the population's drinking. I even teach two entire classes of Tell a Story at my school, which use vocabulary and stories strictly pertaining to drinking. Yes, I teach my students words such as hangover, wasted, and buzzed and it is a requirement! Check back soon for another article about this class. Till then, happy soju time!